SIGNAGE DESIGNNapoles, Veronica. Corporate Identity Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988. A book about visual identity planning and design for businesses which clearly and simply explains the stages of the identity design process, the roles of client and designer. Includes sample forms.
Selame, Elinor and Joe. The Company Image: Building Your Identity and Influence in the Marketplace. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1988. A book about visual identity planning and design. Although the book uses examples of identity programs for large corporate clients (and municipalities and small retailers should not emulate the visual look of identities for large corporations), it does effectively discuss the principles and rationales any identity program should consider. One section of the book also deals with identity in the retail environment.
Environmental Graphics, Signage, and Wayfinding. Arthur, Paul; Passini, Romedi. Wayfinding: People, Signs and Architecture. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1992. Excellent but somewhat academic overview of the principles of wayfinding theory, research and application, especially as these relate to graphic information systems and large architectural interior environments and complexes. Excellent bibliography.
Brown, Carolyn. The Mechanics of Sigh Control. Chicago: American Planning Association, 1980. Shows how to prepare and administer a sign ordinance for business signs to ensure their compatibility with the surrounding environment. Explains components of a typical sign ordinance enforcement procedures, sign maintenance and removal, licensing of contractors, etc.
Carr, Stephen, et.al. City Signs: Innovative Urban Graphics. New York: Madison Square Press, 1994. A highly detailed and somewhat technical account of public environmental information systems in Boston which provides valuable models for understanding, researching, planning, field testing, evaluating and developing policy for urban signage and lighting systems.
Finke, Gail Deibler. City Signs: Innovative Urban Graphics. New York: Madison Square Press, 1994. Excellent introductory book on environmental graphics, signage and wayfinding systems. Sections include tips for clients on commissioning such systems, tips for designers working with public agencies (which municipal clients should definitely read), urban signage systems, systems for towns and neighborhoods, transit systems, and both permanent and temporary systems for riverwalks, parks and festivals.
Kelly, Eric Damien; Raso, Gary J. Sign Regulation for Small and Midsize Communities. Chicago: American Planning Association, 1989. Report discussing major sign regulation issues like sign location and design to enforcement of regulations and control of non-conforming signs. Includes brief legal analysis of sign regulation issues and features a model sign ordinance with commentary.
Mandelker, Daniel R.; Ewald, William R. Street Graphics and the Law. Chicago: American Planning Association, 1988. Offers a practical system to control sign and billboard clutter while providing advertisers the freedom to communicate. Includes model ordinance revised after testing in 35 communities with commentary providing more drafting alternatives and suggestions on how to simplify administration.
Preservation of Historic Signs, The, Washington, D.C: Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior / Government Printing Office, n.d. One short guide in PAD's "Preservation Briefs" publication series.
Signs: The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Community Sign Control. Washington D.C.: Scenic America, 1992. 16 minute VHS video on benefits of community sign and billboard control. Describes efforts to control signs in several cities, including Holland, Michigan. Available from the American Planning Association, Chicago.
Street Graphics Video. Washington, D.C.: American Society of Landscape Architects and International Television Productions, 1971. 11 minute video companion to Mandelker and Ewalds's original book on street graphics showing how proper graphic design stimulates business when each on-premises sign also contributes to the "sense of place." Available from the American Planning Association, Chicago.
Sutte, Donald T. Appraisal of Outdoor Advertising Signs, The. Appraisal Institute, 1994. Well-illustrated book shows how sign industry operates and provides tools for appraising the value of outdoor signs. Available from the American Planning Association, Chicago.